Wednesday, December 31, 2008

I read a lot. Not quite as many as I wanted to, but I did a fair share. It was a year of changes for me, of new degrees, of new homes, and new jobs. It wasn’t too bad and here’s to hoping that 2009 is absolutely frakking brilliant. So here is the list and the best and the worst in bibliosnark fare for the last 52 weeks.

The Read 75. Lucifer: Volume 2 (Children and Monsters) by Mike Carey74. French Milk by Lucy Knisley73. Unusual Suspects Edited by Dana Stabenow72. Whispers of the Flesh by Louisa Burton71. Monster Island by David Wellington70. Three Shadows by Cyril Pedrosa69. Y: The Last Man Volume 2 (Cycles) by Brian K Vaughan68. Y: The Last Man Volume 1 (Unmanned) by Brian K Vaughan67. Swallowing Darkness by Laurell K Hamilton66. BSG: Sagittarius is Bleeding by Peter David65. Doctor Who: The Stone Rose by Jac Rayner64. Mind the Gap by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon63. The Harlequin by Laurell K Hamilton62. Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine61. Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman60. Pride of Baghdad by Brian K Vaughan59. Lucifer: Volume 1 (Devil in the Gateway) by Mike Carey58. The Walking Dead: Volume 8 (Made to Suffer) by Robert Kirkman57. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs56. Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher55. Angel: After the Fall by Brian Lynch54. We Thought You Would Be Prettier by Laurie Notaro53. Buffy: Season 8 – No Future for You by Brian K Vaughan and Joss Whedon52. Spike: Shadow Puppets by Brian Lynch51. Blood Noir by Laurell K Hamilton50. 5 People Who Died During Sex by Karl Shaw49. Love Your Handwriting by Heidi Swapp48. The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman47. Night of the Wolf by Alice Borchardt46. I Was Told There Would Be Cake by Sloane Crosley45. In the Small by Michael Hague44. World War Z by Max Brooks43. Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk42. The Magician and the Fool by Barth Anderson41. Battlestar Galactica: Unity by Steven Harper40. Winkie by Clifford Chase39. The Devil You Know by Mike Carey38. The Bone Key by Sarah Monette 37. Dog Days by John Levitt36. A Kiss Before the Apocalypse by By Thomas E. Sniegoski35. In Search of April Raintree by Beatrice Culleton Mosionier34. Fullmetal Alchemist Volume One by Hiromu Arakawa33. Bound by Moonlight by Louisa Burton32. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield31. Life of Pi by Yann Martel30. Dead to Me by Anton Strout29. Embrace the Night by Karen Chance28. Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews27.The Hypochondriac's Pocket Guide to Horrible Diseases You Probably Already Have by Dennis DiClaudio26.The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Book 1) by Alexander McCall Smith25.House of Dark Delights by Louisa Burton24.The Walking Dead 7: The Calm Before by Robert Kirkman23.The Walking Dead 6: This Sorrowful Life by Robert Kirkman22.The Walking Dead V.5: The Best Defense by Robert Kirkman21.The Walking Dead V.4: The Heart's Desire by Robert Kirkman 20.The Walking Dead V.3: Safety Behind Bars by Robert Kirkman19. Things Fall Apart: A Novel by Chinua Achebe18. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart, The Writers of The Daily Show 17/16. The Complete Maus Vol. 1&2 by Art Spiegelman15. The Walking Dead Vol. 2: Miles Behind Us by Robert Kirman14. Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham13. The Walking Dead V.1 by Robert Kirkman 12. Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid11. Succbus Blues by Richelle Mead10. Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith 9. Will the Vampire People Please Leave the Lobby? by Allyson Beatrice 8. Black Magic Woman by Justin Gustainis 7. Under Cover of Darkness (Anthology) Edited by Czerneda and Paniccia 6. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 5. Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine 4. Dead Girl's Dance by Rachel Caine. 3. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs 2. The Unnatural Inquirer by Simon R Green 1. Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

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The Best 10. Buffy Season 8 Comics by Joss Whedon and Co 9. I was Told There Would be Cake by Sloane Crosley 8. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs 7. Life of Pi by Yann Martel 6. The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman 5. The Devil You Know by Mike Carey 4. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 3. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield 2. World War Z by Max Brooks 1. Y: The Last Man series by Brian K Vaughan

Favorite New Series Felix Castor series by Mike Carey, Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, The Walking Dead Series by Robert Kirman, Y: The Last Man by Brian K Vaughan and Lucifer by Mike Carey.

Most Read Genre Urban Fantasy (What can I say?)

Least Read Genre Historical/Non Fiction (I should get on that)

The Worst Blood Noir (Anita Blake Book 16) by Laurell K Hamilton which was neither bloody nor noiry and where sex was apparently the solution to everything. Such a let down from Harlequin and The Under Cover of Darkness Anthology which had about two good stories in all.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

For Lucifer Morningstar, the former ruler of Hell, retirement has proved a little problematic. Recruited by Heaven to save all of Creation from the threat of the Voiceless Gods, he has been rewarded with an object of inconceivable power — a gate that leads to the uncreated void. But the gateway itself is only a tool that Lucifer must use to achieve his true goals. Now his quest will take him to the Japanese afterworld of Izanami, and to the terrible House of Windowless Rooms, in search of his lost wings. Leaving his immortality and power at the door, Lucifer walks into a labyrinth of traps and treachery where the only thing more dangerous than failure is success. And behind him, in the Los Angeles piano bar that has become his home, the powers begin to gather — drawn by the door that Lucifer has cut into the fabric of existence, and willing to destroy the whole of reality in order to possess it. When the storm breaks, there may be nothing left for Lucifer to return to.

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Yeah, more Lucifer. You don’t hear that from me every day. I have to say I am quite enjoying this little series and my love for Mike Carey continues to grow (I have his latest Felix Castor novel in my TBR pile).

Children and Monsters begins where the last volume left off. The Morningstar has completed God’s quest and now has a very special gateway in his possession. But now Lucifer needs his wings again and so he heads to regain them from Izanami, the Japanese Goddess of Death who collects all sorts of little trinkets of power. In this story, Lucifer continues to be the manipulative and clever bastard we know him to be, but you cannot help but love him for it. Without his powers, he still manages to win and that is what makes him and these stories so interesting.

As I said this volume was just as entertaining as the first. However, the art didn’t delight me as much though it is still fantastic. I do have a minor complaint with the angels as a whole who seemed too arrogant, too illogical, and very one dimensional for my tastes. I just expected a bit more from them. I think the story as a whole, especially some nice plot tension, would have benefited from some changes with the angels. Having said that, I really liked Michael’s story though. For me, his character was what I expected out of more of the angels.

Mazikeen’s story was also very interesting and it was nice to see her get some more screen time. I am curious to see how Elaine Belloc’s story figures into the whole, which I am guessing it does, and see how that all turns out. Another winner for me and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Through delightful drawings, photographs, and musings, twenty-three-year-old Lucy Knisley documents a six-week trip she and her mother took to Paris when each was facing a milestone birthday. With a quirky flat in the fifth arrondissement as their home base, they set out to explore all the city has to offer, watching fireworks over the Eiffel Tower on New Year's Eve, visiting Oscar Wilde's grave, loafing at cafés, and, of course, drinking delicious French milk. What results is not only a sweet and savory journey through the City of Light but a moving, personal look at a mother-daughter relationship.

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Thanks to the lovely Miss Whitney over at Pop Candy, I discovered this little gem. However, I had to wait for the second printing to show up before I could nab it and I am so glad that I did. Three things came out of my little read. One, I want to go to Paris like Lucy and her mother did (If but for the delicious milk). Two, I *so* need to be more artistically inclined (no my graphic design does not cut it. I need to learn to draw). And three, I got really hungry (sadly there are no French cuisine restaurants around here). I wondered if spending a month with my mother in a quaint little Parisian abode would bring us closer together or wrench us further apart. I pondered if my French would hold up or would I be hopelessly lost. And I fantasized on whether if I had the means and went when I came back would I do a whole ‘Sabrina’ thing and be more self assured, more coiffed and more Frenchy as Lucy would put it. Though I am a few years older than Lucy, I related to her tremendously. She has my fears and some of my dreams. I lived vicariously through her for the hour and change it took me to read her adventures.

The book as a whole is a travelogue and yet it is just one chapter of an artist’s memoir as well. It’s a charming little scrapbook done in a way I only wish I could do. I loved her artwork and her descriptions. And I especially liked her sometimes non linear trains of thought. Lucy threw in enough pop culture references, such as singing the soundtrack of Funny Face throughout her visit or her adoration for Oscar Wilde to make me appreciate her even more. When I turned the last page, I sighed happily and then was annoyed that there wasn’t more. I sat and reflected about my own life, felt the twinges of jealousy at Lucy and her mother’s relationship, and decided I need to take some chances next year and work abroad. If a book stays with me long after I have closed it, for me that is a sign of a very good book.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

This follow-up to Powers of Detection showcases bestselling and award-winning names from Simon Green to Laurie King to Sharon Shinn—with original stories featuring otherworldly investigators trailing uncanny criminals across fantastical realms. From video game characters seeking civil rights and a cave dragon loan shark pondering an investment, to Santa Claus’s Australian vacation and an enemy of Sam Spade’s out for revenge—plus visits to the Nightside and Sookie Stackhouse’s hometown— these stories will take readers around the world on a magical mystery tour.

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I liked the first anthology, Powers of Detection, so I had this on my little wishlist for some time. Plus, any chance to get a new Nightside story and I am a happy camper. It’s not strictly Urban Fantasy fare and two of the stories I really enjoyed were set in more traditional fantasy worlds. I did enjoy some of the offerings this time around, but I think as a whole I enjoyed the first a bit better. However, there are a couple of authors I am going to look up after this one.

“Lucky” by Charlaine Harris: Sookie Stackhouse and Amelia offer to help a local insurance agent. A nice little short for any fans of the series.

”Bogieman” by Carole Nelson Douglas: Delilah Street investigates the murder of none other than the Sam Spade. It was my first taste of Delilah Street and while I was a bit lost at first, I found myself intrigued at the end. Any author who can use pop culture icons in a new way makes me, if anything, curious. So I added her to my little TBR pile.

”Looks Are Deceiving” by Michael A Stackpole: The Iron Duke has been poisoned and despite his dislike Primin must investigate. As the title suggests not everything is what it appears to be. Fun little read and one I enjoyed considering I am not a big traditional fantasy fan. However, for a short story there was too much name dropping for a world I didn’t know and character histories that I knew nothing of. But the characters were likable.

“The House of Seven Spirits” by Sharon Shinn: A recently separated woman moves into a haunted house, but not all of her new roommates are that bad. This one made me smile and is one of the best of the stories. There’s mystery, humor and in the end kind of made me feel as if I should leave the TV going, just in case I have some roomies of my own.

“Glamour” by Mike Doogan: When his daughter goes missing, a peasant named Alf works with a stranger to try and find her. Very tongue in cheek and a nice little parody of the traveling salesman shtick. Cute.

“Spellbound” by Donna Andrews: A wizard conference presents not only a witch’s seduction spells for a wizard’s apprentice, but a murder as well. I like Gwynn, but I wanted more out of it.

“The Duh Vice” by Michael Armstrong: In a distant future, resources are restricted and one man is there to enforce those who try to buck the system. But he gets more than he bargained for when he stumbles on one offender. Flat, and slow paced the only thing I liked about this was I wanted my own little warming hut in this below zero weather we have been having.

“Weight of the World” by John Straley: After Christmas Eve is completed, Santa and the crew head off for a holiday, but the rest is far from over when one of the elves is murdered. Someone’s been naughty. The story was okay. Didn’t really fit with everything else and yet because I just read it before Christmas it was fine.

”Illumination” by Laura Anne Gilman: Bonnie knows her father is in trouble, especially when loan shark dragons may be involved. One of my favorites of the anthology, this is set in the Retriever universe and magic is current. I have been meaning to read Gilman’s Retriever series for some time and they all still sit in my TBR pile. This makes me want to pick them up next. I loved Bonnie and from what I hear there is a book featuring her, so double yeah.

“The House” by Laurie R. King: Brad and his friends choose the old abandoned house for their history project, but none of them expects what happens once inside. For some reason I had visions of Doctor Who’s Blink while reading this except without the creepy weeping angels. Its atmospheric and I like the voice of the story. However, the ending didn’t quite work for me. It seemed rushed and didn’t fit with the rest of it. Good story though.

“Appetite for Murder” by Simon R. Green: When a killer is on the loose in the Nightside it isn’t just John Taylor that investigates. Enter Sam Warren and Miss Fate as they try to catch a serial killer that is preying on the supernatural. Loved this one of course and if you’ve ever been curious about Miss Fate from the Nightside series this one is for you. Well done and I cannot wait to pick up the next Nightside novel.

“A Woman’s Work” by Dana Stabenow: The Sword and the Seer are sent to be judge, jury and executioner in the King’s name. When they arrive in Pylos, where women are treated as second class citizens, they hear the case of an accused murderess and the dark magic that surrounds her. The second of my faves in the traditional fantasy genre, I want to read more about Seer and Sword. I like the characters. I like the world. Please Dana, may I have some more?

Monday, December 22, 2008

Hidden in a deep mountain valley in rural France is an ancient castle known only to an exclusive few. Here, four exquisitely beautiful immortals who thrive on carnal energy captivate and ravish their human visitors, fulfilling their darkest fantasies, their most secret hungers.

A chaste young British Jesuit poses as a landscaper to investigate centuries of rumored wickedness at the château, forcing him to confront the long-sublimated desires and urges seething beneath his own pious exterior.... The American daughter of the château’s dying administrator can’t bear the thought of succeeding her father, since it would mean playing matchmaker to the love of her life. The roots of her dilemma, and its possible solution, hark back to a weekend in 1972 when a group of free-loving hippies descended on the château for a few days of orgiastic revelry, where every convention was broken and nothing was taboo.

Step into the Castle of the Hidden Grotto and lose yourself in a realm of mystery, temptation, and intoxicating sensuality.

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I have never been a huge romance novel fan, however I do like the occasional smut every now and again (and no, I do not consider Laurell K’s smut to be satisfactory of late). This is the third installment of the Hidden Grotto series and I continue to enjoy them. Burton created some characters and some relationships that I am genuinely interested in (though give poor Darius someone to love as I adore him) and some great eroticism as well.

If you haven’t read any of the other Grotto novels, you can easily pick one up and not feel lost, though you will get more enjoyment if you do read them all. Of the two stories I enjoyed Adrien and Isabel’s story the most, especially after the last book and the way it ended. What can I say I am a sucker for the happily ever after shtick.

I think these are just the right blend of steamy erotica and an entertaining story bound with a ribbon of flesh and fantasy. Not for everyone, but a delightful diversion for those who need a good dose of smut every now and again.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

It's one month after a global disaster. The most "developed" nations of the world have fallen to the shambling zombie masses. Only a few pockets of humanity survive — in places rife with high-powered weaponry, such as Somalia. In New York City, the dead walk the streets, driven by an insatiable hunger for all things living. One amongst them is different; though he shares their appetites he has retained his human intelligence. Alone among the mindless zombies, Gary Fleck is an eyewitness to the end of the world — and perhaps the evil genius behind it all. From the other side of the planet, a small but heavily-armed group of schoolgirls-turned-soldiers has come in search of desperately needed medicine. Dekalb, a former United Nations weapons inspector, leads them as their local guide. Ayaan, a crack shot at the age of sixteen, will stop at nothing to complete her mission. They think they are prepared for anything. On Monster Island they will find that there is something worse even than being undead, as Gary learns the true price of survival.

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It shouldn’t be a big surprise to anyone that I dig zombie fiction. Whether it is the Walking Dead comic series or Max Brooks’s World War Z, or something else entirely I am a complete believer that zombies make everything better. *smirk* I had seen the Monster Trilogy on the bookshelves for some time, but never got around to picking it up and finally did when Halloween rolled around. Alas, I never got around to it during the bewitching hours. Instead I got a nice little macabre fix during the holiday season. Yeah me.

This isn’t your average zombie novel. Sure there are the rotting corpses I know and love, but this time Wellington spun a couple a twists for me and ones I enjoyed whole heartedly. One of the things I liked is being dropped right in the middle of the action. The crisis has already occurred, the horror of the beginning of the end already in the past tense. Enter in Dekalb, a man who tries to stick to his principles and hopes to get back to the daughter he loves so much. Nothing always ends the way you would like it to and sometimes you are put into situations where those principles are tested. Dekalb is a good man and the story is divided between him and Gary’s point of views.

I did want Gary’s character to be fleshed out a bit more, no pun intended, because I wanted more reasoning, more back story to his character so he wasn’t so two dimensional for me. Not that he’s not a great character to read because he is, I just wanted more. Without ruining the story, Gary’s story in the latter half of the book changed so suddenly and so quickly (mostly after the megastore) that it seemed rushed and too easy especially considering his previous vocation.

The descriptions are great, everything I want in a zombie novel or film. Beyond the zombie depictions, the prose as a whole is a joy to read. The pace is quick without being frenzied, dialogue realistic, and enough mystery remaining so that not everything is explained away or described leaving the reader to use their own imagination. The book isn’t without its flaws. Some may find Mael laughable, others may think some of the situations overly absurd. Some might even say, ‘Hey that’s a lot like Stephen King’s Cell’. But I really enjoyed it. I think Wellington is a great storyteller, has a knack for great characters and I cannot wait to read more of the Monster Trilogy as well as start his Vampire series.

I love reading other people’s reviews on the books I love simply because it is refreshing to see another perspective and to add even more books to that ever increasing to be read pile of mine that is threatening to take over my home. John over at Grasping At the Wind came up with a brilliant idea of creating a meme of blogs. So all you have to do is head on over to his blog, add your blog to the list and then take your time and read to your heart’s content.

Three shadows stand outside the house – and Louis and Lise know why the spectral figures are there. The shadows have come for Louis and Lise’s son, and nothing anyone can do will stop them. Louis cannot let his son die without trying to prevent it, so the family embarks on a journey to the ends of the earth, fleeing death. Poignant and suspenseful, Three Shadows is a haunting story of love and grief, told in moving text and sweeping black and white artwork by Cyril Pedrosa.

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”In this our springtime, there is no better, there is no worse Blossoming branches burgeon as they must Some are long, some are short. “

Cyril Pedrosa, who once drew for Disney, wrote Three Shadows after a friend’s child died at a very young age. But Three Shadows is more than a tale of grief and loss, it’s about love and family and enjoying every single moment that you have. The art is simple and yet no short of beautiful. Once again, I have had the pleasure to read a graphic novel that is poignant, brilliant and just as amazing as some of the books I have read in the past year.

I am not a parent, but know what loss feels like. I could relate to Louis wanting to do anything in his power to protect his son, but I also understood Lise. But there are some things that no amount of determination and strength can prevent and fear of death will hurt you even more in the end. It’s a difficult subject to tackle, but Cyril manages to do it with grace. I will say that there is a little bit of a detour in the third act that didn’t quite fit with the rest of the novel and yet I still enjoyed it because it was just another perspective on death.

DECEMBER 2ndVow of SilenceBy Robert Laughlin“Set in an alternate society-described with its history, geography, economy, technology, laws, arts and civilization myth-in which literacy has not been invented because a substantial minority of people can be taught to develop perfect recall. The narrator is a man who was inducted into this special caste that records and passes on the permanent and ephemeral knowledge of the world. As his power matures, he realizes it is more a curse than a gift because he cannot forget disruptive memories of pleasant and painful experience--they are always with him. After he finishes the course of mental training, he perpetrates a devious and horrific revenge on his former teachers, to strike back at a society he feels has cruelly used him to service its needs. His personal regeneration is made possible only by a chain of events that also changes his society for the better.”

The Knights of the CornerstoneBy James P Blaylock “Calvin Bryson has hidden himself away from the world, losing himself in his work and his collection of rare & quirky books. He never meant to let so much time go by without visiting his aunt and uncle in the tiny town of New Cyprus, California. When he gets there, he’ll discover the town’s strange secrets and a mysterious group dedicated to preserving and protecting holy relics—a modern day incarnation of the legendary Knights Templar…”

Unclean Spirits: Book One of the Black Sun's DaughterBy M.L.N. Hanover “In a world where magic walks and demons ride, you can't always play by the rules.Jayné Heller thinks of herself as a realist, until she discovers reality isn't quite what she thought it was. When her uncle Eric is murdered, Jayné travels to Denver to settle his estate, only to learn that it's all hers -- and vaster than she ever imagined. And along with properties across the world and an inexhaustible fortune, Eric left her a legacy of a different kind: his unfinished business with a cabal of wizards known as the Invisible College. Led by the ruthless Randolph Coin, the Invisible College harnesses demon spirits for their own ends of power and domination. Jayné finds it difficult to believe magic and demons can even exist, let alone be responsible for the death of her uncle. But Coin sees Eric's heir as a threat to be eliminated by any means -- magical or mundane -- so Jayné had better start believing in something to save her own life. Aided in her mission by a group of unlikely companions -- Aubrey, Eric's devastatingly attractive assistant; Ex, a former Jesuit with a lethal agenda; Midian, a two-hundred-year-old man who claims to be under a curse from Randolph Coin himself; and Chogyi Jake, a self-styled Buddhist with mystical abilities -- Jayné finds that her new reality is not only unexpected, but often unexplainable. And if she hopes to survive, she'll have to learn the new rules fast -- or break them completely…”

Unusual Suspects: Stories of Mystery & Fantasy Edited By Dana Stabenow “This follow-up to “Powers of Detection” showcases twelve original new stories featuring otherworldly investigators trailing uncanny criminals across fantastical realms. From video game characters seeking civil rights to a cave dragon loan shark pondering an investment and an enemy of Sam Spade’s out for revenge, these stories will take readers around the world on a magical mystery tour…”

Busted Flush: A Wild Cards Novel By George R. R. Martin “In 1946, an alien virus that rewrites human DNA was accidentally unleashed in the skies over New York City. It killed ninety percent of those it infected. Nine percent survived to mutate into tragically deformed creatures. And one percent gained superpowers. The Wild Cards shared-universe series, created and edited since 1987 by New York Times #1 bestseller George R. R. Martin ("The American Tolkien" --Time magazine) along with Melinda Snodgrass, is the tale of the history of the world since then—and of the heroes among the one percent. Now a new generation of heroes has taken its place on the world stage, its members crucial players in international events. At the United Nations, veteran ace John Fortune has assembled a team of young aces known as the Committee, to assist at trouble spots around the world–including a genocidal was in the Niger Delta, an invasion of zombies in hurricane ravaged New Orleans, and a freak nuclear explosion in a small Texas town…”

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DECEMBER 9thThe Suicide Collectors By David Oppegaard “The Despair has plagued the earth for five years. Most of the world’s population has inexplicably died by its own hand, and the few survivors struggle to remain alive. A mysterious, shadowy group called the Collectors has emerged, inevitably appearing to remove the bodies of the dead. But in the crumbling state of Florida, a man named Norman takes an unprecedented stand against the Collectors, propelling him on a journey across North America. It’s rumored a scientist in Seattle is working on a cure for the Despair, but in a world ruled by death, it won’t be easy to get there.”

Persistence of Memory By Amelia Atwater-Rhodes “Sixteen-year-old Erin Misrahe just wants to be like everyone else in her new school. But Erin has more to worry about than passing AP Chemistry or making friends. In times of stress, she has always been overcome by her alter ego, Shevaun, whose violent behavior wreaks havoc on those around her. Erin can never remember anything about these episodes, and she’s grateful to have been spared them for a while. But when a protective friend comes back into Erin’s life, he insists that Shevaun is a vampire who actually exists apart from Erin. Shevaun has dangerous allies, like the handsome witch Adjila—and they’re determined to sever Shevaun’s connection to Erin once and for all..”

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DECEMBER 23rdElsewhere By William Peter Blatty “This incredible haunted house novel from William Peter Blatty—the legendary author of The Exorcist, The Ninth Configuration, Legion, and many other books—is disturbing, unsettling, chilling, and laced with a nasty streak of dark humor. Featuring a stunning cover by Bruce Haley (Time, Life) and beautiful interior illustrations by Alex McVey (Stephen King, Joe Lansdale), “Elsewhere” is a must-have for all fans of dark fiction and sure to become a time-honored classic in the genre…”

Need By Carrie Jones “Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal. Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.”

Wondrous Strange By Lesley Livingston “Since the dawn of time, the Faerie have taken. . . . For seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow, faeries are just something from childhood stories. Then she meets Sonny Flannery, whose steel-gray eyes mask an equally steely determination to protect her. Sonny guards the Samhain Gate, which connects the mortal realm with the Faerie's enchanted, dangerous Otherworld. Usually kept shut by order of icy King Auberon, the Gate stands open but once a year. This year, as the time approaches when the Samhain Gate will swing wide and nightmarish Fae will fight their way into an unsuspecting human world, something different is happening . . . something wondrous and strange. And Kelley's eyes are opening not just to the Faerie that surround her but to the heritage that awaits her. Now Kelley must navigate deadly Faerie treachery—and her growing feelings for Sonny—in this dazzling page-turner filled with luminous romance. ”

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DECEMBER 30thContagious By Scott Sigler “Across America, a mysterious pathogen transforms ordinary people into raging killers, psychopaths driven by a terrifying, alien agenda. The human race fights back, yet after every battle the disease responds, adapts, using sophisticated strategies and brilliant ruses to fool its pursuers. The only possible explanation: the epidemic is driven not by evolution but by some malevolent intelligence. Standing against this unimaginable threat is a small group, assembled under the strictest secrecy. Their best weapon is hulking former football star Perry Dawsey, left psychologically shattered by his own struggles with this terrible enemy, who possesses an unexplainable ability to locate the disease’s hosts. Violent and unpredictable, Perry is both the nation’s best hope and a terrifying liability. Hardened CIA veteran Dew Phillips must somehow forge a connection with him if they’re going to stand a chance against this maddeningly adaptable opponent. Alongside them is Margaret Montoya, a brilliant epidemiologist who fights for a cure even as she reels under the weight of endless horrors. These three and their team have kept humanity in the game, but that’s not good enough anymore, not when the disease turns contagious, triggering a fast countdown to Armageddon. Meanwhile, other enemies join the battle, and a new threat — one that comes from a most unexpected source — may ultimately prove the most dangerous of all.”

Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts By Laura Benedict “Three childhood friends. A malicious lie. One hell of a consequence. Growing up, Roxanne, Del, and Alice tested the limits of their friendship with cruel, and often dangerous, games–but they always knew they would be bound together forever. Now, Alice’s marriage is over, and her husband is having a child with another woman. Roxanne, an artist consumed by her work, is losing touch with her friends–and perhaps with reality. And Del is desperate to be a perfect wife and adoring stepmother, but her friends see that her careful façade is crumbling. The instrument of their destruction is a single enigmatic man–Varick. He seems to be a lonely woman’s dream come true, but where has he come from? And what does he want? As he seduces the women in turn, their lives become unrecognizable to them. Varick’s secret lies buried in their shared past. One simple, childish act has brought them, all these years later, to a place where not only their lives but also their souls are at risk. For once upon a time, the three of them agreed to tell a lie–one that ruined the life of a young priest. Defrocked, destitute, and ruined, he hoped with the whole of his shattered heart that he would get revenge. And in that hope he shook hands with the one who promised it. The devil himself. Now they all must live with the consequences..”

The Angel Maker By Stefan Brijs “The village of Wolfheim is a quiet little place until the geneticist Dr. Victor Hoppe returns after an absence of nearly twenty years. The doctor brings with him his infant children—three identical boys all sharing a disturbing disfigurement. He keeps them hidden away until Charlotte, the woman who is hired to care for them, begins to suspect that the triplets—and the good doctor— aren’t quite what they seem. As the villagers become increasingly suspicious, the story of Dr. Hoppe’s past begins to unfold, and the shocking secrets that he has been keeping are revealed. A chilling story that explores the ethical limits of science and religion, The Angel Maker is a haunting tale in the tradition of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Frankenstein. Brought to life by internationally bestselling author Stefan Brijs, this eerie tale promises to get under readers’ skin...”

The Book of Unholy Mischief By Elle Newmark “In a world of violence and intrigue, who guards the truth? It is 1498, the dawn of the Renaissance, and Venice teems with rumors of an ancient book that holds the secret to unimaginable power. It is an alchemist's dream, with recipes for gold, immortality, and undying love. Everyone, rich and poor alike, speculates about the long-buried secrets scrawled in its pages and where it could possibly be hidden within the labyrinthine city. But while those who seek the book will stop at nothing to get it, those who know will die to protect it. As a storm of intrigue and desire circles the republic that grew from the sea, Luciano, a penniless orphan with a quick wit and an even faster hand, is plucked up by an illustrious chef and hired, for reasons he cannot yet begin to understand, as an apprentice in the palace kitchen. There, in the lavish home of the most powerful man in Venice, he is initiated into the chef's rich and aromatic world, with all its seductive ingredients and secrets. Luciano's loyalty to his street friends and the passion he holds for a convent girl named Francesca remain, but it is not long before he, too, is caught up in the madness. After he witnesses a shocking murder in the Palace dining room, he realizes that nothing is as it seems and that no one, not even those he's come to rely on most, can be trusted. Armed with a precocious mind and an insatiable curiosity, Luciano embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. What he discovers will swing open the shutters of his mind, inflame his deepest desires, and leave an indelible mark on his soul.”

At Grave’s End (Night Huntress Book 3) By Jeaniene Frost “Some things won't stay buried . . . at grave's end. It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield's life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she's successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat's worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover's finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger. As if that wasn't enough, a woman from Bones's past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat's about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she's learned as a special agent won't help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself—and Bones—from a fate worse than the grave.”

Evil Ways (Quincy Morris Book Two) By Justin Gustainis “Children are being murdered for their organs—again. If this evil weren't enough to contend with, it also appears that someone—or something—is determined to kill Quincey Morris’ friend and partner, white witch Libby Chastain. Quincey is dragged into both of these cases, little realizing that each is a part of the same horrific plot against humankind, and it will be up to the investigator to save the world. Here's hoping he doesn't blow it…”

Shimmer By Dallas Reed “When the box is opened, everything starts to change. On a freezing night in Winter, Colorado, there's a party going on—and it will change the town forever. Justin, the party's host, doesn't know that the box in his dad's study contains a shimmering dust that has the power to transform all it touches. Emma, the cute new girl, doesn't know she will spend the next twenty-four hours running for her life through a freezing blizzard. Russ, a local snowboarder, doesn't know that the person he loves most is about to betray him. And Tess, the queen of the school, only knows she wants to see what's in that box. Nobody knows what's coming—yet. But as the party gets under way, the residents of Winter will find themselves face-to-face with forces darker than any December storm.”

Black Cathedral By LH Maynard and MPN Sims “At an old manor house on a remote Scottish island, six managers of a large corporation all suffer horrifying deaths, their bodies never to be found. The government assigns the case to Department 18, a special unit created to investigate the supernatural and the paranormal. However this is no mere haunted house. The evil on this island goes back centuries and the forces of darkness are preparing to attack…”

Jake’s Wake By John Skipp & Cody Goodfellow “Pastor Jake promised his followers everlasting life…he just didn’t say what kind. So when the small-town televangelist and con man climbs out of his coffin at his own wake, it becomes Judgment Day for everyone gathered to mourn his death. Jake is back, in the rotting flesh, filled with anger & vengeance, accompanied by frightening demons. What follows is a long night of endless terror; a blood-drenched rampage not even death could stop…”

Woods and Waters Wild By Charles de Lint “Woods and Waters Wild is the third volume of Charles de Lint's Collected Early Stories after A Handful of Coppers and Quicksilver & Shadow. Includes stories of Angharad, Dennet & Willie, Thomas the Rhymer, and other obscurities that will be the envy of de Lint readers everywhere.”

Dead, She Said By Steve Niles “Detective Coogan knows well that there are some pretty shady freaks out there in the big city... but he doesn't know that some of those freaks aren't human! He learns it the hard way, and ends up on the wrong side of a bullet in this new series that mixes horror and noir into a tightly wound nightmare of twists and turns. An all-new story by comic book legends Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson.”

From writer Brian K. Vaughan (Swamp Thing, The Hood) and up-and-coming artist Pia Guerra comes a view of a dystopian society where suddenly - and without warning - a mysterious plague kills every living creature on the planet with a Y chromosone...in other words, no more men! Except one. Yorick Brown has somehow survived. It's now a very different world, and his unique status is far from privileged. He finds himself on the run from a coven of Amazons who want him dead...one of whom is his own sister! As Yorick Brown, the last man on Earth, begins to make his way across the country to California, he and his companions are forced to make an unscheduled stop in Marrisville, Ohio—a small town with a big secret.

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Dr. Mann, Yorick, Agent 355 and Ampersand find themselves trying to get to Dr. Mann’s other laboratory on the West Coast. Of course nothing could be as simple as hopping on a train and going event free. The little subplot of the little burb in Ohio was nice. Some would say that this volume is not as strong as Unmanned and while I agree that it switches gears a bit, I liked the change of pace and didn’t find it any less interesting plot wise. Maybe the secret behind the small town is hardly surprising and had me envisioning Rosie the Riveter a bit with a twist, but I think if things went south there are certain groups of people who would be able to cope and rebuild better than others because their lives before the plague come in handy now. Of course it isn’t without its flaws. Yorick’s reaction to the small town’s secret is a bit drama queenish for me, but then again the boy is not perfect and that is why I like him. I will also comment that for all his pining and obsessing over his girlfriend, Yorick was awfully quick to forget about her when it was convenient. Hero continues to be interesting as much of a nutter as she is and I am curious to see how it pans out. I can’t forget the ending either because whoo hoo.

There are some decent explorations in this series, some a bit glossed over and not as complex as I would like to be, but things that make you think. How would I, as a woman, react? I have heard that some people disagree on how women have reacted in the story. A lot of things have gone into chaos, but I think people forget that it isn’t that the men have disappeared it’s the fact that half of the population is now gone. The society that is left has lost their husbands, sons, brothers, fathers, and more. And yeah, half the workforce. To be honest, I think they have coped remarkably. The Amazons, as crazy as they are, are believable. Some are feminists taking the anti-male rhetoric to the extreme and others are easily brainwashed because they are lost, or grieving or just a little broken. Then there are others who are going to band together in a positive way, who despite their loss are going to try and start over and continue the only way they know how (Marisville).

From writer Brian K. Vaughan (Swamp Thing, The Hood) and up and coming artist Pia Guerra comes a view of a dystopian society where suddenly - and without warning - a mysterious plague kills every living creature on the planet with a Y chromosone...in other words, no more men! Except one. Amateur escape artist Yorick Brown has somehow survived. It's now a very different world, and his unique status is far from privileged. If they can't exploit Yorick, the new world powers may just decide his usefulness is at an end!

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I am not sure what took me so long to pick this up and read it. Maybe it’s the monkey or maybe it’s just the great story, but I am hooked and was hooked from page one. You like Yorick, you like Ampersand, and you like the what-if of the whole plot even if it isn’t anything particularly new. Here is a world where women are grieving, trying to make sense of the world and rebuild, and sometimes even rejoicing. What caused the men of the world to die out? Why were Yorick and Ampersand immune? What is due to cloning a human? Or perhaps the artifact that was taken from Jordan? How will society rebuild itself? Is this the end? It’s that mystery and blend of fantasy and sci-fi mixed with the real that has me turning the pages ever faster.

Of course, the artwork is nice, but more than that the characterizations are real and even if you love to hate certain characters, they’re not so ridiculous that you laugh. Yes, even Miss Hippolyta, Amazon Queen wannabe herself. Similar to Walking Dead, another fave, the story isn’t really about the fact that men are now extinct, it’s about how you deal with the aftermath.

I hope the rest of the series is just as good and this may have even got me to pick up Runaways as well.